Birdwatching: Where Do We See Birds in the Bible?
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There are so many unique topics that we can study within the Scriptures. One of the best things that we can do is to ask questions. We should not be ashamed to ask the Lord our questions; this is often what draws us closer and closer to Him. Sometimes it is fun to ask childlike requests of God. Today, we are going to do just that and discover that an exciting question that a young person might ask, actually reveals a lot to us about our Lord Himself.
What does the Bible say about birds? Where are birds found in the Bible?
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Jesus’ Teachings
There are many places in Scripture where birds are found. My mother and mother-in-law are bluebird lovers. They enjoy looking at them outside their windows, watching them eat, and most of all checking their nests for baby birds. One of the reasons why they both love birds so much is the reminder of God’s care for them.
Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Also see: Luke 12:24)
Jesus tells us of our worth in Him with Matthew 10:29. We are worth more than many sparrows.
The Holy Spirit
There are four Bible verses that compare the Holy Spirit descending like a dove at Jesus’ baptism. Luke 3:22 says, “And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased’” (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, and John 1:32).
We also see the Holy Spirit in Genesis 1:2 which says, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” There is no mention of a dove here, but the concept of hovering causes us to ponder the Spirit soaring above the waters.
Thinking about birds can lead us to ponder the Holy Spirit. He is active, beautiful, and sharp. He moves in our lives and helps us to see God more clearly.
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Creation
We also read about birds being created on the fifth day of creation. Genesis 1:20 says, “And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.’” Mankind was to rule of birds as well as other creatures (Genesis 1:26). Also, Adam named all the birds (Genesis 2:19-20). The Lord in His creativity designed these stunning animals to fly over trees, oceans, and mountains.
Noah’s Ark
We read about two different specific birds in Noah’s story. Once the flood came and went, Noah releases a raven. Genesis 8:6-7 says, “After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth.”
Then, we read about Noah sending out the dove. The first time the dove went out, it returned because there was no place to land since the water had not dried up (Genesis 8:8-9). After seven more days, he sent out the dove again. This time the dove brought him an olive branch (Genesis 8:10-11). As Noah sends out the dove a third time, Genesis 8:12 says, “When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.”
God used the birds to reveal His perfect timing for exiting the ark. He had them show Noah and his family when it was safe to exit the ark after the intense worldwide floods.
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The Prophets
We also read about birds in the books of the prophets. One of the most famous stories is when the ravens feed Elijah on the mountain. Ravens are not known for returning (Job 38:41) and so it was a true miracle of God. 1 Kings 17:6 says, “The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”
Isaiah compares the Lord’s protection of Jerusalem to flying birds (Isaiah 31:5).
One of the most famous verses from Isaiah is found in Isaiah 40:31 which says, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I love how we can picture an eagle as us soaring when we have the strength of the Lord.
According to the Avian Report, a Bald Eagle’s wingspan ranges from 5.9 – 7.6 ft long. Learning Bird Watching says that most eagles fly 30 miles per hour all the way up to 100 mph. They can go 100-250 miles in a day during migration. Ponder that! With the strength of God, He can take us to heights and places we never could get on our own. Birds also remind us of strength.
The Psalms and Revelation
God tells us that the birds are His (Psalm 50:11). The Lord also says that we have a home with Him (Psalms 84:1-3).
In Revelation 19, there is the mention of threefold Hallelujah over the fall of Babylon. There are verses about birds eating the enemies (Revelation 19:17-18).
As we are amazed at all the mentions of birds, may we marvel at the creativity and intentionality of the Lord. We can be reminded of HIs great care for us, His Spirit moving, His protection, His strength and His victory. The next time we see birds, may we ponder the wonder of our God.
More from this author
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Why Are Christians Called the Salt and Light of the Earth?
Why Is the Bible So Adamant about Helping the Poor?
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